Millions of Britons are “hooked” on drugs to control acid reflux, putting them at risk of dementia, a leading pharmacist has warned.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most widely used medicines in the UK, with 73 million NHS prescriptions dispensed in England in 2022-23, at a cost of £190 million.
Medications, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, help reduce the amount of acid inside the stomach, limiting the distressing symptoms of reflux, also called heartburn, which include pain and difficulty swallowing.
However, studies have suggested that long-term use could increase the risk of developing dementia.
A 2023 US study published in the journal Neurology found that taking PPI medications such as omeprazole, esomeprazole and lansoprazole for more than four and a half years could increase the odds of developing dementia by 33 percent, compared to those who have never taken them. . .
The study authors theorized that the link could lie in the effect of PPIs on the body’s absorption of vital nutrients, such as vitamin B12.
‘This “It’s essential for brain health,” said Dr. Thanu Jey, one of the researchers involved in the study. ‘PPIs can also cause an increase in the formation of the beta-amyloid protein, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease.’
Now, pharmacist Deborah Grayson, who has worked as a chemist for 25 years, has warned that, in many cases, the benefits of these drugs do not outweigh the risks.
Studies have found that those taking acid reflux medications such as omeprazole for long periods have a much higher risk of developing dementia.
He told MailOnline that they are often prescribed as a “panacea for various digestive symptoms, without a clear clinical need to suppress acid production.”
Since there is no “exit strategy” for taking patients off the medication, many become “hooked” for life, as long-term use can actually worsen symptoms, making patients more dependent on it.
“We are sleepwalking towards a significant culture of PPI addiction due to over-prescribing for no clear reason and the failure to offer patients a clear exit strategy from treatment,” said Ms Grayson, who is also a nutritional therapist at Heartburn Cancer UK and runs his own clinic called Digestion with confidence.
“It only takes three days of PPI use to run the risk of rebound heartburn, which can be five times worse than normal reflux.”
‘This may mean that patients inappropriately assume that the medication is essential, as the problem must have been excess acid.
“It is this rebound that leads to the inability to stop taking a PPI in many patients, leaving them effectively hooked.”
What’s more, up to 40 percent of patients do not respond to PPIs, meaning they are useless.
Pharmacist Deborah Grayson has warned that millions of Britons are trapped in a “vicious cycle” with acid reflux medication.
Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid rises into the throat. If it continues for long periods of time, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is usually caused by a weakness in the muscles that connect the esophagus to the stomach.
Ms. Grayson said that too often patients are prescribed medications rather than being informed about dietary and lifestyle interventions that can alleviate symptoms.
For example, reducing stress and adopting regular eating patterns can help.
The most important thing is to take enough time to eat, preferably at the table.
According to Grayson, digestion begins in the brain and 20 percent of stomach acid is produced before food consumption.
“This is known as the cephalic response,” he said, explaining that before the invention of fast food, preparing and cooking meals triggered the same process, kick-starting the digestive system.
“Modern lifestyles have caused many people to decide they are hungry, run to the nearest food establishment and eat within minutes,” Grayson added. “This means the body has to play catch-up and produces excess acid, which exacerbates symptoms.”
He advised, even if you’re too busy to cook, to start the “anticipation process” about 20 to 30 minutes before eating something.
‘Think about what you are going to eat, how it tastes and how it smells. This can trigger the anticipatory response in the same way that preparing it yourself would have done.’
Chewing is equally important.
“Most of us are very busy and often ‘inhale’ our food,” Grayson said. “The chewing process reduces the stomach acid load.”
Each bite of food should be chewed until smooth, he added, while putting down the knife and fork between bites gives the stomach a much better chance to digest the food it has eaten.
Grayson also warned about the many foods that can worsen reflux by relaxing the sphincter in the esophagus that allows acid to travel.
Some people with reflux have the “silent” type, which is much more difficult to diagnose. Symptoms usually consist of a dry cough and frequent throat clearing.
These include coffee, alcohol, chocolate, mint, tomatoes and citrus fruits.
Spicy foods, fatty foods, and large portions also cause the muscle to not function properly.
“Avoiding these foods three to four hours before bedtime can be a big help,” she said.
Their final tip is to add certain herbs to your diet, which can act as digestion stimulants, as well as protecting the system from damage caused by acid and bile.
‘Drinking chamomile or artichoke tea can help stimulate the digestive process in a similar way to bitter leaves, while fennel can also have a calming impact on digestion.
“Drinking tea containing marshmallow root or slippery elm can help protect the digestive system from acid and bile.”
These two teas should be consumed one hour after medication to reduce the risk of affecting the absorption and function of any medication you are taking.